Mandela's words and actions will live on eternally

You know an individual's enormous stature when he's been on his deathbed for months, yet you're still shocked by the inevitable news.

Mike Klocke

You know an individual's enormous stature when he's been on his deathbed for months, yet you're still shocked by the inevitable news.

So it is with Nelson Mandela.

His death on Thursday only ended his physical presence on Earth. The residual impact of his life, his courage, his forgiveness and - of course - his words are eternal.

Yes, his words.

They often were so profound, so real, so comforting and so universal that they could be applied to virtually any situation around the world.

Take, for instance, Stockton.

I'm going to mention a number of challenges, issues or opportunities faced by Stockton and apply Mandela's words to those situations.

» The city's image: Stockton has been branded for decades with a negative image, often perpetuated by outside forces who never truly knew the city or even gave it a chance. Mandela's words: "Do not judge me by my successes; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

» Education: Improvements are being made, and there are hundreds of dedicated teachers and staff members educating the children of Stockton. For too many parents and students, it still does not remain a priority. There is so much room for improvement. Mandela's words: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Also: "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."

» City government turmoil: Our mayor is at odds with the City Council. Council meetings have become chaotic and circus-like at times. Issues sometimes get clouded by personalities. Mandela's words: "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner." Also: "A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial and uninformed."

» Diversity: Stockton is one of the country's true melting pots. The culture is amazing, the opportunities to learn immense and the mutual understanding of one another is at times excellent and at times troubled. Mandela's words: "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."

» Homicides: After a record 71 homicides in Stockton in 2012, the total is down to 30 (going into the weekend) this year. It's progress, but there still are too many people being killed or shot. Mandela's words: "We can't afford to be killing one another."

» Unemployment: During the recession, Stockton's unemployment rate often approached 20 percent. Think of that: 1 out of 5 adults out of work. Things have improved, but the need for more jobs - and better jobs - remains. Mandela's words: "Money won't create success; the freedom to make it will."

» Leadership: In so many facets of everyday civic life, Stockton either has strong leaders or is left in need of them. The city's future could be determined by the bold, visionary, energetic people who can bring others to places they previously thought impossible. Mandela's words: "It always seems impossible until it's done." Also: "When the water starts boiling, it is foolish to turn off the heat. ... There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

» Forgiveness: Stockton, like many cities, has people who hold grudges. Often they're in leadership roles; matters that should have been settled long ago fester on unnecessarily. Mandela's words: "Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace."

» Courage and freedom: It's not easy to walk in another's shoes. You may think you know the challenges they've faced or what they must overcome in life, but that's rarely the case. It's often easier to assume - and we're pretty much all guilty here - than it is to truly understand. Mandela's words: "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. ... For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

Contact Record Editor Mike Klocke at (209) 546-8250 or mklocke@recordnet.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Klocke_Record.